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What is Hepatitis A? |
Hepatitis A is an enterically transmitted viral disease caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Although the risk of Hepatitis A is minimal in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, it is much greater in the developing world that have poor sanitary conditions,where is usually acquired during childhood, most frequently as an asymptomatic or mild infection.
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How can I become infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV)? |
Usually from contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked,but which may become contaminated during handling.
Transmission may also occur by direct person-to-person contact.
Most episodes of infection are spread by infected food handlers that may not yet have any sign of illness. By failing to wash their hands adequately after a bowel movement, such disease carriers can spread the virus to food in the preparation and serving process.
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What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A ? |
The symptoms are fever ,malaise ,anorexia ,nausea, and abdominal discomfort, followed within a fewdays by jaundice.
The disease ranges in clinical severity from a mild illness lasting 1 to 2 weeks to a severely disabling disease lasting several months.
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If I swallowed the HAV, how quickly would I become sick? |
Usually 1 to 4 weeks later but sometimes more quickly or more slowly.
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What should I do if I think I have Hepatitis A? |
See your health care provider.
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How is Hepatitis A diagnosed? |
Your health care provider diagnosed it.
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How is treated? |
Treatment must be prescribed by a physician.
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How can I reduce the risk of geting Hepatitis A? |
For protection, travelers to developing countries should receive either of the hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix or Vaqta) or an injection of immune globulin (previously called gamma globulin) which contains antibodies against the hepatitis A virus. The vaccines have been available in the U.S. since March, 1995. The vaccine is given as a single dose, preferably at least two weeks prior to travel, although the vaccine should still offer protection even if given at the last minute before departure. The initial injection can be followed by a booster dose in 6-12 months with resulting protection estimated to last 10-20 years. Side effects have been reported to be minimal and include local soreness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue.
Since immune globulin is not a true vaccine, antibody levels will decline with time. For the greatest protection, this injection should be given close to the time of departure, ideally within 3-5 days. Depending on the dose given, this protection can last from three to five months. Immune globulin shots are given in the buttock and usually are associated with minimal local side effects, such as soreness at the injection site. There is no evidence that immune globulin can transmit any disease, such as AIDS, and it can be safely given to pregnant women.
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I am going to travel to a country that has poor sanitary conditions. What should I eat and drink there so I will not become infected with HAV? |
Travelers to developing countries are advised to follow the precautions included under "Risks From Food and Drink For travelers to developing countries".The risk of infection increases with length of stay, visits to rural areas, and eating in places with poor sanitation such as food stands and vendors. However, even the most cautious tourist may be unavoidably exposed.
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Should I be concerned about spreading infection to the rest of my household? |
Yes. However, the risk of spreading infection is low if the infected person practices good personal hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food and not sharing personal stuff.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have another one, consult a health care provider.
